Data collected by the city of Boulder's transportation division shows that nearly half of all collisions within the city occur at intersections, and that crosswalks are the most common locations for collisions between motor vehicles and bicyclists or pedestrians.
Crosswalk tips:
Pedestrians:
- Cross at the walk. Be sure that you push the button and have the walk signal if crossing at a lit crosswalk. Failure to do this could cost you $50. If you are at one of the other marked walks, be sure that you make yourself visible to the cars. Don’t assume that they see you approaching and that they know that you are crossing.
Bikes and boarders:
- Slow down. The city ordinance requires you to slow down to 8 m.p.h. when approaching and crossing a crosswalk. Failure to do this could cost you $50. You, too, should not assume that drivers see you approaching the crosswalk.
Drivers:
- Yield to the walkers. Failure to do this could cost you $125. Make sure that someone isn’t in the crosswalk or approaching the crosswalk before driving through. Pay special attention to the sidewalk behind you. Many accidents occur because the pedestrian/biker/boarder was traveling in the same direction from which the vehicle approached. Take that extra second and look at the sidewalk behind you.
Finally, there are two general rules for everyone. First, be sure to make eye contact with the driver/pedestrian/bicyclist/boarder so you know that they see you. Second, pay attention to your surroundings. Crossing at a crosswalk is not the time to update your status.
